Well, its Saturday morning and we got a call last night that our "City Friends" need a weekend in the country! So it looks like summer has un-officially started. A weekend brunch came to mind. The guest bedroom is done and waiting, the deck is clean and the menu is planned and simple. This is going to be a hassle-free, fun-filled weekend for catching up on all the goings on in New York City. I remember those days, running to catch a train along with five thousand other people, the heat coming up from the concrete, having to walk up to the 9th floor cause the elevator was out.....hmmmm, no - … [Read more...]

Remember when made my DIY Designer polka dot plates?....here....well I've decided to go at it again! I'm addicted to this easy-peasy plate knock-off! For just a few dollars I can actually match my plates to my linens. What did we ever do before Mod Podge? Today I am sharing our book club lunch, unfortunately only two of us could make it, with summer starting schedules are in over-drive!
The book this month is a "Poolside / Lakeside" reader.....Nantucket by Nan Rossiter. Here is a little intro from the New York times.....
" A tender, moving story of rekindled passion, set amidst the … [Read more...]

Memorial Day Ideas... could the holiday almost be here?....I need to get busy...... I've been so involved with my little Yorkie "Elvis" and trying to get him over his allergies that it has literally taken up my days! He started two weeks ago, after his third visit to vet we finally got him started on prednisone and hopefully this will do the trick. So my poor little baby has been under the weather and wanting to be held all day.....Now that Daddy's home, I can get some Mommy time! But first I have to let go of him...
And now to start thinking of how to entertain on the first "Official" … [Read more...]

I know most people think of Autumn when they hear Soup......but not me - I am a soup-crazed lady! It doesn't matter what month it is, there is always room for soup!
And one of my favorite soups is from Chef and Entertaining Stylist John Hadamuscin....he is a down home family style chef......I have all his cookbooks. He was raised in the Midwest, and his cookbooks are not only filled with delicious recipes but a story accompanies each one....about his mom's kitchen, life on the farm and his life in New York City!
Today I'm making his version of "Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup".....one of my … [Read more...]

I promised you I would give you my take on these eye-catching appetizers from Williams Sonoma.....one of my favorite sites....
Caramelized Onion & Apple Tarts with Gruyere and Thyme......
And the verdict is in - Delish! Now, you know me, I have to add my own little something to it or increase the ingredients...The next time I make them I will add more Gruyere (My favorite) and more salt & pepper to taste. Also I think I might dry a little Merlot added in. wine can only make it better! I baked for 25 minutes.....might try it at around 22.......
But all in all, another great … [Read more...]

You must know by now that I love Williams Sonoma for their recipes....Most times they are adapted from actual Chef/Owner of restaurants. This one is adapted from a recipe by Chef Justine Kelly, The Slanted Door, San Francisco.
I will be making them tomorrow, if they turn out as delicious as I expect them to, I might just surprise my daughter next week for her Easter Dinner! The "Love of my life" said "your doing the table setting, making side dishes, decorating - why didn't you just have Easter here?" I starred blankly at him and without hesitation I said "Isn't it time for the dogs to go for … [Read more...]

Its a rainy day here on the mountain, there's a layer of fog that's slowly making its way up the ridge. It looks eerie and calming all at the same time.....All my running around was done yesterday so today I'm going to hang out with my oven and the rest of the gang in the kitchen....yes I know, Spring can't come quick enough when one starts naming the pots & pans!
Well, as you all know, my daughter Tammy is hosting Easter Sunday Dinner...Bless her heart....but I am going to give her a helping hand.
I've been visiting all over the net looking for a few recipes to get us away from the … [Read more...]

.........Translation: HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY! How's that for a mouthful.........!
My maternal grandmother and both of my Great-Grandmothers were born in Ireland and it is number 2 on my "Bucket List" to visit there one day....I have found cousins through Ancestry.com and plan on doing the DNA test next month that they offer! Who knows what I'll discover....The results will make for another post down the road!
but today everyone is Irish....and the kitchen smells wonderful. I remember my grandmother humming a song and every few words sounded so strange to me, that's because she would say … [Read more...]

Have I told you? Did you get the memo?.....How about the full page ad I took out?....No?.....well, ok I'll tell you again......
I'VE HAD IT WITH THE SNOW!!!!!...........I AM DONE!
MOTHER NATURE - I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE!!!!
ok...I feel so much better now.........yes, more snow coming tomorrow for Northeast Pennsylvania. Then the "Heat-Wave" is coming Saturday and should continue through out next week! Yipppeee!
I am doing everything to get rid of the winter blues.....I decided to work at the kitchen table rather than my office, the view is better don't you think?
My three assistants … [Read more...]

I finally got the Hutch cleared of Christmas and winter......even thought there is a foot of snow outside.......I decided to think Spring..... so my grandmothers Rose Chintz stoneware came out along with her tea pot and there are brownies on the table cooling......ah, life is good!
My dad always told me how he remembered his mother siting in front of the kitchen window sipping her tea from her little pot....that was 1930....
Well that was an early fix this morning!
Now what goes well with my Earl Grey? Brownies of course......
These brownies are loaded with chunks of Dark Ghirardelli … [Read more...]

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Hi! I’m Lois

I’m an avid cook, hallmark channel groupie, the ultimate Tree Hugger, animal lover and have an uncanny affection for farms! I admit to loving a good romance novel and my three dogs are not only allowed on the couch, but sleep with us in the four-poster bed as well! Read More…